Two new faces took were on show at Werders first training session after the winter break. Goalkeeper trainer Michael Kraft and Erlend Hanstveit on trial. For Kraft, it was his first official working day at Werder Bremen: "I'm happy to be here in Bremen to continue the good work started by Dieter Burdenski. Such a professional predesessor is very motivating. I want to get everything that I can out of the goalkeepers", explained the new man. Until now unknown in Bremen was the Norwegean Erlend Hanstveit. The 24 year old joined the rest of the squad for the first training session of the new year and also partook in the mandatory laktat-test. Hanstveit will make the journey to Balek with the team on Thursday for their pre-season trainings camp. Trainer Thomas Schaaf commented on the potential new man: "He's an interesting player, technically good and a variation for the left flank. We'll see how he fits in with the rest of the lads." Hanstveit is happy about the chance but remains a little reserved: "You shouldn't expect too much. That's why I'll try to give my best and leave a good impression."
Aside from Johan Micoud, who started his holiday one day later because of his participation in the "Match Against Poverty", the rest of the team trained and took the laktat-test. The 32 year old Frenchman will join the squad at the airport on Thursday.
Schaaf is happy about the physical condition of his players: "I can see the lads are in good form. In trainings camp we intend to prepare ourselves for the second half of the season and get ourselves back to top form." Werder captain Frank Baumann added: "The laktat-test is proof for the trainer that we are all fit and also gives him an indication as to what needs to be done in training."
In the afternoon was the final training session in the cold north of Germany before heading for sunny Belek on Thursday. Back in training is Christian Schulz who had missed out the pre-Christmas games with a calf injury. Still out of action is Tim Borowski who is recouperating after a groin operation. The midfielder trained alone with physio Stefan Wolters. The 25 year old will make the trip to Turkey. "He's still not 100% fit but we'll increase his training tempo until we are convinced he is ready for the intensivity of team training again", said Thomas Schaaf.